Energy bills saving of 16% offered to small businesses across the North West

Small businesses across the North West are being offered the opportunity to slash 16% off their energy bills, with a new scheme launched today by New Economy.

ecoSMARTER, is part of a national, government-backed initiative which is designed to help tackle soaring energy costs. It will provide small businesses with a free green makeover worth more than £1000, helping to cut bills and carbon emissions.

New Economy is leading on the £1 million project with partner support from local green business specialists and £500,000 of funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Businesses that sign-up to the scheme will have a free electricity monitor installed which lets them monitor energy consumption online. They will also receive environmental support from a sustainability expert to help reduce carbon emissions.

The specialist consultancy will provide a carbon footprint calculation for participating businesses and environmental training for staff, leading to a bespoke environmental policy, an action plan and a green marketing strategy.

The ecoSMARTER scheme was trialled earlier this year and the businesses which participated cut their energy bills by 16% following support from ecoSMARTER consultants.

On completion of the programme, businesses will also receive a Carbon Smart Certificate – a national certification that highlights their green success.

The certificate can be used by businesses in their marketing, and is recognised by central and local government as evidence of environmental achievement within businesses’ procurement procedures.

Mike Emmerich, chief executive of New Economy, said: “We’re delighted to lead this project on behalf of the North West region. As we have seen in recent headlines, energy consumption is a huge cause for concern at the moment with rising costs affecting individuals and businesses alike.”

“New Economy is committed to reducing costs and carbon emissions across the region. The ecoSMARTER scheme is a great way for small businesses to cut their excesses. However, it only has a limited number of places so I would encourage interested parties to get in touch as quickly as possible.”

Sir Howard Bernstein, vice chair of the Northwest European Regional Development Fund Local Management Committee, said: “By reducing energy usage and bills for small businesses this project can deliver key positive impacts on two fronts. Business support of this type will help to boost local economies while also protecting the environment.”

Peter Davys, national councillor for the Federation of Small Business in the North West said: "Massive energy price hikes are currently hitting small businesses at the worst possible time. ecoSMARTER will support hard-pressed businesses to cut costs from the bottom line and help them to become greener.

“The nationally recognised certificate also shows how businesses are successfully making the changes to become more sustainable. It will then help to boost their competitiveness and win all-important new business"

Small businesses based in the North West with ten employees or less are eligible to apply to the ecoSMARTER scheme. The project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). To find out more, please contact Nick Uttley on 0161 237 4630 or send an e-mail to ecosmarter@carbonsmart.co.uk

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Notes to Editors

For further information please contact Mark Coleman, communications

manager, Marketing Manchester on 0161 238 4586. mark.coleman@marketingmanchester.com

The 16% energy saving is based on a study of 50 small to medium businesses who went through the first year of the certification programme.
The Carbon Smart Programme award is internationally recognised and the criteria for the three standards within it – Blue, Silver and Gold – have been approved by an independent advisory panel made up of industry experts.
The electricity monitor, online dashboard, installation and support would normally cost £130 while Carbon Smart certification normally costs £875, giving a total value for the support of £1005.
§ New Economy’s purpose is to create economic growth and prosperity for the people of Greater Manchester. For information on the work of New Economy please visit: www.neweconomymanchester.com

ERDF

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government, is making a real difference to people and businesses in the Northwest. With €755 million to invest between 2007 and 2013, ERDF is enhancing the competitiveness of the region’s economy by supporting growth in enterprise and employment.

For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf

New Economy
Growth and Prosperity for Manchester